The efficacy of individualized swallowing training for premature infants with feeding disorders: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective To observe the effect of individualized swallowing training in the neonatal intensive care unit on the swallowing function of premature infants with feeding disorders. Methods Sixty-two preterm (28 to 32 weeks) infants with feeding disorders were randomly divided into a treatment group (n=34) and a control group (n=28). Both groups were given routine gastric tube feeding, but the treatment group was additionally provided with individualized swallowing training twice a day for 2 weeks, including oral sensory and motor stimulation, milking, family participation, a better environment and a selection of feeding tools. The subjects′ daily milk consumption and weight were recorded, along with the age when the gastric tube was removed and the total length of the hospital stay. Results The treatment group showed significantly greater improvement than the control group in their daily milk consumption and weight gain, though both groups showed significant improvements. The average time to removing the gastric tube and the average hospital stay were both significantly shorter for the treatment group than for the control group. Conclusion Individualized swallowing training can effectively improve sucking and swallowing skills and shorten the period of using a gastric tube and the total hospital stay for premature infants. Key words: Premature neonates; Feeding disorders; Swallowing training; Body weight